Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

World Cup Semifinals Set for Blockbuster Showdowns

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has dismissed criticism of his team's performance, stating they are "not as bad" as some suggest ahead of their World Cup semifinal clash against England. The Argentinian squad is reportedly built around Lionel Messi, aiming to get the best out of their star player in their pivotal match squad is built. England faces Argentina in what is being described as their biggest match since 1966. Alan Shearer still feels the sting of Argentina's 1998 World Cup victory but believes this England team has a chance to "change their lives forever". England is considering a man-marking strategy to contain Lionel Messi. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged this possibility when discussing how to counter the Argentinian talisman considered man-marking. Argentina will draw inspiration from Diego Maradona as they prepare to face England. Referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed to officiate the England vs. Argentina semifinal. Increased security measures will be in place for the highly anticipated match in Atlanta will be increased. Harry Kane emphasized that England cannot get caught up in the historical significance of facing Argentina, calling the semifinal "as big as it gets". Kane also dismissed any notion of division within the England squad, asserting complete togetherness ahead of the Argentina clash dismissed the idea. Declan Rice has been confirmed as fit and available to start for England against Argentina. Jamie Carragher believes England can exploit Lionel Messi's presence in the World Cup semifinal against Argentina. Guillem Balague examined Messi's evolution, noting he "walked for 47% of the World Cup" and is looking to reach his third final. Argentina's supporting cast stepped up when the Swiss defense muted Lionel Messi, with Julián Álvarez providing the magic. England has shown grit in their comeback victories against Mexico and Norway, and now face Argentina and Messi. England's travel distance among the semifinalists is the highest, raising questions about whether it will matter. BBC experts have picked their England World Cup semifinal XI, prompting debate among fans.

Spain Dominates France to Reach World Cup Final

Spain has reached the World Cup final after a convincing 2-0 victory over France, with coach Luis de la Fuente stating the team is "feeling unbeatable". France's head coach Didier Deschamps admitted his team was not technically sound enough to defeat Spain. Spain sealed their place in the final, while France collapsed in their semifinal match. Kylian Mbappé expressed criticism regarding the tactics employed in France's 2-0 semifinal loss to Spain. Deschamps is predicting a "spectacular" semifinal against Spain. Spain and France, as the top two FIFA-ranked teams, are set to face off in a highly anticipated semifinal showdown. France's World Cup dreams ended with a 2-0 defeat to Spain, who now advance to the final. Didier Deschamps' tenure as France manager will conclude with the third-place play-off, a match he likely did not envision. Spain's victory over France means they are the first team to book their spot in the World Cup final book s.... Spain defender Pau Cubarsí called for tolerance after comments from the nation's former Prime Minister suggested France lacked French players. The semifinal between France and Spain is described as a heavyweight World Cup showdown spectacular game.

USMNT Looks to the Future Amidst World Cup Exit

Despite their recent exit from the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT is already focusing on the 2030 tournament, with a list of potential players identified. Goalkeeper Matt Freese expressed his hurt regarding the backlash following the USMNT's 4-1 round of 16 loss to Belgium. Folarin Balogun has signed with LeBron James' agency, Klutch Sports, following a standout World Cup performance. The New England Revolution have extended the loan of USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner from Lyon through the end of 2026. Actor Cristo Fernández, known for his role in "Ted Lasso," made his professional debut in the USL. The USWNT will host world No. 1 Spain for two friendly matches in October.

Club Football Transfer Rumors and Signings

Manchester United is actively pursuing midfield reinforcements, with Andrey Santos signing and Youri Tielemans expected to arrive. Manchester United has completed the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million. Manchester United's pursuit of Ederson is on hold due to a medical issue but could be revisited at a lower price. Chelsea has agreed to a deal worth approximately £850,000 to sign Manchester United striker Melvine Malard. Liverpool has signed England goalkeeper Khiara Keating from Manchester City on a free transfer. Liverpool's new head coach, Andoni Iraola, stated that the club needs to sign more players. Arsenal is reportedly stepping up their pursuit of a target, while Bayern Munich believes Harry Kane will sign an extension despite interest from other clubs. Barcelona's offer for Julián Álvarez has an expiration date, according to club president Joan Laporta. Barcelona is not giving up on signing Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and may increase their offer. Arsenal is considering a swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres for Julián Álvarez. Leeds United has agreed to a £34.1 million fee for defender Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo. Bournemouth has announced the signing of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche for up to £25.7 million. Aston Villa is assessing a move for Pervis Estupinan, while Bruno Guimaraes is not for sale. Aston Villa is reportedly set to miss out on midfielder Johan Manzambi to Freiburg. Everton has signed France forward Noemie Mouchon on a free transfer from Leicester City. Everton is in advanced discussions for a permanent deal for defender Hannah Blundell. Brighton has completed the club-record signing of Luka Vuskovic from Spurs. Republic of Ireland international Emily Murphy is nearing a move to Brighton from Manchester City. London City Lionesses are expected to sign France forward Kadidiatou Diani for over £500,000. Spain defender Mapi Leon has joined London City Lionesses on a three-year deal after leaving Barcelona. Everton captain Megan Finnigan has signed a one-year contract extension. London City Lionesses captain Kosovare Asllani has signed a one-year contract extension despite a serious injury. Arsenal has signed Germany forward Lisa Baum from RB Leipzig. Manchester City is showing interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi interested in wonderkid. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expects to lose Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels this summer. Callum McGregor feels he can "build something special" at Celtic with Martin O'Neill, despite speculation about his future. Hearts' focus should be on securing a top-three finish in the Scottish Premiership. Aberdeen has purchased winger Lewis Smith from Livingston for an undisclosed fee. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso wants Enzo Fernandez to remain at the club. Xabi Alonso confirmed Reece James will remain Chelsea captain and expressed his desire for Enzo Fernandez to stay. Xabi Alonso's arrival at Chelsea, rather than Liverpool, was a matter of timing.

Other Football News and Notes

The half-time interval for the World Cup final is scheduled to last between 20 and 25 minutes. FIFA's mandated three-minute hydration breaks during the World Cup have become a talking point. The match ball has been changed for the World Cup semifinals after 100 games. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly under investigation by the IOC for alleged breaches of political neutrality in his dealings with President Donald Trump. Police are investigating the death of South Africa World Cup player Jayden Adams, whose body was discovered in Cape Town. Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of, weeks after being removed from World Cup officiating duties due to a police investigation. A large seizure of approximately 58,000 counterfeit Scotland and England football strips was made in Edinburgh. Aston Villa's new sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda has drawn warnings about the nation using it for sportswashing.